Mad Gravel
Denver-area gravel race with three course options through remote Elbert County — punchy climbs, open roads, and Front Range peaks on the horizon.
The vibe
Remote roads, earned tired
Starting from Peaceful Valley Boy Scout Ranch south of Kiowa, Mad Gravel takes you into the part of Colorado that doesn’t show up in the tourism brochures — wide-open Elbert County roads, punchy little climbs, long descents into rolling ranch land, and a view of the high peaks from a distance that somehow makes them look bigger than when you’re standing beneath them.
Three course options mean you can match the day to your legs and your ambition. The longer routes go genuinely remote, stretching into country where you’re away from everything for significant stretches. It’s a race, but it also functions as a great excuse to explore terrain most Front Range riders have never touched.
The drive from Denver is about an hour, which makes this a proper destination ride rather than a casual morning out. Pack extra food, bring a bikepacking mentality even if you’re running a race setup, and expect the kind of tired that settles in deep and feels entirely earned. Rattler Racing brings their usual well-run race experience to a venue that rewards riders who came prepared.